Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2019

The Veteran's claims for service connection and special monthly compensation were granted with an effective date of September 2, 2002. The earlier effective dates are granted based on the submission of relevant official service department records confirming Agent Orange exposure in Thailand.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD, service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction, skin rash on the elbows, bilateral lower and upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, and TDIU are all remanded due to inadequate VA examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II and diabetic neuropathy of his extremities due to potential herbicide exposure in Guam. The claims are being referred back for additional development, including obtaining records from the Veteran’s service in Guam and verifying any herbicide exposure.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 7913 (diabetes mellitus) or DC 8620 (peripheral neuropathy).

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating of his right upper extremity neurological disability, left ear hearing loss, and right ear hearing loss. The VA will obtain additional medical records and conduct further examinations to determine if these conditions are related to active service or other disabilities.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right feet, finding that there was no evidence of early onset peripheral neuropathy within one year after exposure to herbicides. The Board also found that the Veteran did not have a current disability related to his service or exposure to herbicides.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to conflicting medical opinions and additional relevant evidence that needs to be reviewed.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities do not render him unable to obtain and/or secure substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service-connected right and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy disabilities have been granted increased ratings of 20 percent each, effective from the date of the decision. Additionally, the Veteran has been granted a TDIU based on his service-connected conditions.

The Board has remanded the case for further development regarding the Veteran's claims, including his combat status and service connection for ischemic heart disease and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including bunions, psychiatric disorders, and other disabilities, have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a current diagnosis of any of these conditions or a link to service.

The Board has granted three clothing allowances for the Veteran's back brace, shampoo (for scalp disability), and Drysol (for second degree burns). The decision is based on evidence that these items cause damage to the Veteran's clothing.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including kidney condition, peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy of both eyes (claimed as blurry vision), erectile dysfunction, hypertension, and C-6 radiculopathy of the upper extremities. The Board found that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and service.

The Board has granted service connection for neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities and bilateral hammertoes, finding that these conditions were superimposed on the Veteran's congenital defect of bilateral clawfoot during service.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral lower extremity diabetic peripheral neuropathy, finding that the Veteran's diabetes mellitus is a contributing factor to his current diagnosis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for lower left and right extremities, peripheral neuropathy, including as due to herbicide agent exposure, and Parkinson's disease are remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions regarding the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's appeal for service connection on account of herbicide exposure has been dismissed due to his death.

The Veteran is granted a TDIU on a schedular basis from April 29, 2010. The case is remanded for consideration of an extraschedular TDIU prior to that date.

Service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper extremities and lower extremities is denied due to lack of in-service disease or injury, failure to show continuity of symptomatology since service, and inability to establish a link between current conditions and herbicide exposure.,Service connection for a skin disorder (claimed as chloracne) is denied due to lack of in-service disease or injury, failure to show continuity of symptomatology since service, and inability to establish a link between current condition and herbicide exposure.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to deficiencies in previous examinations and lack of legible copies of his service records. The Veteran will be afforded VA examinations to determine the nature and etiology of his bilateral neuropathy, acquired psychiatric disorder (likely PTSD), erectile dysfunction, acid reflux/GERD, and sleep disorder.